William Roache

William Roache is an English actor known for his long-standing role as Ken Barlow in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street, a position that has earned him recognition in the Guinness World Records. After taking on the leading role in the Granada Television play ‘Marking Time’ in 1961, William Roache was cast as Ken Barlow in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street, a role he has played since the first episode on December 9, 1960. This continuous portrayal has made him the longest-serving living television actor in a continuous role, a record recognized by the Guinness World Records. Prior to his extensive acting career, Roache joined the British Army in 1953, where he was commissioned into the Royal Welch Fusiliers and promoted to lieutenant in 1954.

He left the army in 1956 with the rank of captain, having appeared in various stage productions and minor television roles such as ‘Knight Errant Limited’ and ‘Skyport,’ as well as an uncredited role in the Norman Wisdom film ‘The Bulldog Breed’ (1960). Roache’s dedication to his iconic role on Coronation Street was further honored with a dedicated episode of ‘This Is Your Life’ in 1985 and the British Soap Awards Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999. In 1991, he successfully won a libel action against The Sun newspaper. He has authored multiple autobiographies, including Ken and Me (1993) and Soul on the Street (2008), both of which explored philosophical themes.

William Roache remains committed to his enduring role as Ken Barlow on Coronation Street, having expressed his desire to continue playing the character for many more years, solidifying his status as a television legend.